USVI And BVI To Vie For 2017 IAA/McDonald’s MLK, Jr. Basketball Invitational Tournament Title

ST. THOMAS —  McDonald’s has announced its partnership for the third consecutive year with the St. Thomas-St. John Interscholastic Athletic Association and the USVI Department of Education, participating as the title sponsor of the 24^th Annual IAA/McDonald’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Varsity Basketball Invitational Tournament.

“McDonald’s is proud to partner with the Interscholastic Athletic Association for the third year. We feel it is an important event for the students and the community,” said Gabriel Serber, Managing Director for Arcos Dorados Caribbean Region. “As a family restaurant, we encourage families and children to participate in community sports activities, including youth basketball, school and junior tournaments.”

McDonald’s, together with the USVI Department of Education, will be recognizing two participating student athletes with the highest academic scores. “This initiative is in line with McDonald’s commitment to support the well-being and active lifestyles of children in the Virgin Islands” added Mr. Serber.

“The St. Thomas-St. John Interscholastic Athletic Association once again extends its deepest appreciation to the McDonald’s family for their continued partnership in sponsoring the 2017 Martin Luther King, Jr. Varsity Basketball Tournament. McDonald’s ongoing commitment to this annual tournament demonstrates their commitment to our community and specifically their support of our student athletes.  It is with McDonald’s support of this major event that many of our student athletes will gain the attention of university talent scouts and enhance their academic and athletic futures.  We thank the McDonald’s family for supporting this tournament and helping us to showcase the best student athletes from St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, Tortola and Virgin Gorda”, said Mr. Ira “Kenny” Todman, IAA 2017 Martin Luther King Jr. Tournament Director.

This tournament will host local high school teams from Charlotte Amalie, Ivanna Eudora Kean, VI Montessori, Antilles and Gift Hill Schools will represent the St. Thomas and St. John district. Central High and Educational Complex will represent St. Croix. Visiting teams are Elmore Stoutt High School, Bregado Flax Educational Center and VI School of Technical Studies from the British Virgin Islands. The tournament will feature ten male teams and six female teams in the territory.

IAA/McDonald’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Basketball Tournament games are scheduled for Friday, January 13^th through Monday, January 16^th. The championship games are scheduled for Monday, January 16^th at 10 am for the girls’ game, with the boys’ game to follow. All games will be held at the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School gymnasium on St. Thomas.

For more information, contact Basketball Commissioner Kenny Todman at (340)-642-2156.